[Major revision–posted 5/26/16 (replaces 12/4/15 edition)]
Operating Policy and Procedure
OP 40.02:
Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy and Complaint Procedure
for Violations of Employment and Other Laws
DATE:
May 26, 2016
PURPOSE: The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and
ensures compliance with federal and state employment laws and regulations. In
the event an individual believes his/her rights under these or other laws have been
violated, this policy sets forth the procedures to address these concerns in a fair,
equitable, and prompt manner.
REVIEW:
This Operating Policy/Procedure (OP) will be reviewed in August of odd-numbered
years by the Managing Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity
(EEO), the Dean of students, and the Assistant Vice President for Human Resources
with recommended revisions forwarded to the Associate Vice President for
Administration and Chief of Staff to the President.
POLICY/PROCEDURE
The university is committed to providing and strengthening an educational, working, and living
environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors are free from any form of unlawful
discrimination. The university is dedicated to fostering and supporting a culture of mutual respect
and communication.
This policy applies to all university students and employees, visitors, applicants for admission to
or employment with the university, as well as university affiliates and others conducting business
on campus.
The university does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on or related to sex, race,
national origin, religion, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other
protected categories, classes, or characteristics. While sexual orientation and gender identity are not
explicitly protected categories under state or federal law, it is the university’s policy not to
discriminate in employment, admission, or use of programs, activities, facilities, or services on these
bases.
Discriminatory behavior is prohibited by this policy, as well as by federal laws such as Title VII,
which prohibits discrimination in employment, Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the
basis of sex in education programs or activities, the Equal Pay Act, the Age Discrimination in
Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Civil
Rights Act of 1991, the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, Title II of
the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act, and state laws such as Chapter 21 of the Texas
Labor Code. Discriminatory behavior is prohibited regardless of the manner in which it is
exhibited, whether verbally, in writing, by actions, or electronically displayed or conveyed.
The university expects all members of the University Community to comply with the law.
OP 40.02
May 26, 2016
Members of the University Community who violate university policies and laws may be subject to
disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, expulsion from the university,
or being barred from university premises and events.
While sexual harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and sexual assault may constitute prohibited acts
of discrimination, such complaints will be addressed through OP 40.03, Sexual Harassment,
Sexual Assault, Sexual Misconduct, and Title IX Policy and Complaint Procedure.
1. Definitions
For purposes of this policy, the definitions below apply.
a. Employee – Any person who receives a W-2 or 1042-S from the university, including
full- and part-time faculty, staff, and students.
b. Harassment – Harassment based on a person’s protected class under this policy is a form of
discrimination. Unlawful harassment is verbal or physical conduct that shows hostility
toward an individual based on or related to sex, race, national origin, religion, age,
disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or other protected
categories, classes, or characteristics and that:
(1) (2) (3) (4) Creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment;
Has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an employee’s or
student’s educational performance;
Adversely affects an employee’s employment opportunities or student’s
educational opportunities; and
Is severe or pervasive.
Examples of inappropriate behavior that may constitute unlawful harassment include, but
are not limited to:
• • • • • • • Page 2
Slurs and jokes about a protected class of persons or about a particular person based
on protected status, such as sex or race;
Display of explicit or offensive calendars, posters, pictures, drawings, cartoons,
screen savers, emails, internet, or other multi-media materials in any format that
reflects disparagingly upon a class of persons or a particular person in a protected
category;
Derogatory remarks about a person’s sex, national origin, race, or other
ethnic characteristics;
Disparaging or disrespectful comments if such comments are made because
of a person’s protected status;
Loud or angry outbursts or obscenities in the workplace directed toward
another employee, student, customer, contractor, or visitor;
Disparate treatment without a legitimate business reason; or
Other threats, discrimination, hazing, bullying, stalking, or violence based
on a protected category, class, or characteristic.
c. Reporting Party – A person or entity (in the case of the university) who submits a
complaint alleging a violation of this policy.
OP 40.02
May 26, 2016
d. Responding Party – Generally, the Responding Party is the person who is alleged to
be responsible for the prohibited conduct alleged in a complaint.
e. Sexual Misconduct – A broad term encompassing all forms of gender-based harassment or
discrimination and unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature. The term includes sexual
harassment, nonconsensual sexual contact, nonconsensual sexual intercourse, sexual
assault, sexual exploitation, stalking, public indecency, interpersonal violence, and any
other form of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, or other misconduct based on sex. See
OP 40.03 for matters concerning Sexual Misconduct.
Page 3
f. University Community – All faculty, staff, and students of and visitors to any
university premises or university-affiliated activity.
2. Equal Employment Opportunity Office and Office of the Dean of Students
On behalf of the university, the Texas Tech University System Office of Equal Employment
Opportunity (Office of EEO) is designated to formally investigate reports or notices of
discrimination and/or harassment by or against employees. Accordingly, employees, students,
or third parties with a complaint against an employee should contact the Office of EEO.
CONTACT
Managing Director
Office of Equal
Employment
Opportunity
PHONE
806.742.3627
ADDRESS
EMAIL
TTU Administration Building, Room 210
Office of Equal Employment
Opportunity
Texas Tech University System
Box 1073
Lubbock, TX 79409
[email protected]
Employees, students, or third parties with a complaint of discrimination and/or
harassment against a student should contact the Office of the Dean of Students.
CONTACT
Office of the
Dean of Students
PHONE
806.742.2984
ADDRESS
201 Student Union
Texas Tech University
Box 45014
Lubbock, TX 79409
EMAIL
[email protected]
OP 40.02
May 26, 2016
Page 4
In instances of complaints of gender discrimination only, persons may also contact the Title IX
Coordinator.
CONTACT
PHONE
TTU Title IX
Coordinator
806.742.2121 TTU Administration Building
Room 170
Ronald Phillips
University Counsel,
Texas Tech Office
of the President
ADDRESS
EMAIL
[email protected]
Office of the President
Texas Tech University
System
Box 42005
Lubbock, TX 79409
3. General Provisions Relating to Employees
a. While not appropriate, not all rude or offensive comments or conduct constitute
unlawful discrimination or harassment.
b. This complaint procedure is applicable to all employees, whether staff or faculty, who
choose to complain about unlawful discrimination or other violations of the law that
adversely affect their employment.
c. All complaint investigations and procedures will be non-adversarial in nature and will
be conducted in a fair and impartial manner. Language interpreters and other
individuals intended to aid the employee in communicating will be permitted.
No university funds may be used to pay expenses for salary, travel, or per diem of a
public employee engaged in the complaint process, nor may other university resources
be used, except that an employee is allowed to take vacation leave or leave without pay
subject to established university operating policies and procedures to engage in this
activity.
d. Relevant administrators will be notified of formal investigations. The Office of the
Provost will be notified of any complaints involving faculty.
e. Except as otherwise provided by university policy or written contract, employment at the
university is governed by the employment at will doctrine. Employment is for an indefinite
duration and can be terminated at any time, with or without cause and with or without
notice, by either the university or the employee unless otherwise prohibited by law,
university policy, or written contract. Nothing in this university operating policy and
procedure constitutes an employment agreement, either expressed or implied, a contract, a
contractual relationship, a guarantee of continued employment, or a property right.
f. The filing of a complaint shall not affect the ability of the university to pursue
disciplinary action or separation action for reasons other than the employee’s filing of a
complaint.
g. A termination of employment cannot be the subject of a complaint unless the employee
has reason to believe that the termination was prohibited by law. A violation of a
OP 40.02
May 26, 2016
Page 5
university policy alone does not necessarily constitute a violation of law or an action
prohibited by law.
h. Nothing in this policy shall prevent an employee from presenting a charge of discrimination
or other complaint covered by this policy to an external agency, such as the Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission or Texas Workforce Commission. However, if an
employee files a complaint with an external agency, with the exception of a complaint of
Sexual Misconduct, while the Office of EEO may continue its investigation, the internal
process shall terminate and any response to the complaint will be made to the external
agency and not to the employee.
i. For complaints that do not involve discrimination, harassment, or protected status, see
OP 70.10, Non-Faculty Employee Complaint Procedures,
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP70.10.php, or
OP 32.05, Faculty Grievance Procedures, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP32.05.php
4. Employee Complaint Procedures, Including Student Employees
a. Prior to filing a formal complaint, the employee should attempt to resolve the situation by
addressing the Responding Party in an informal manner and in an atmosphere of mutual
respect. However, in cases of Sexual Assault and Interpersonal Violence, as defined in
OP 40.03, the foregoing provision does not apply (see OP 40.03). If the employee is not
comfortable addressing that individual, the prospective Reporting Party may address
concerns to his/her first or second level supervisor. If the situation is not resolved by
informal means or if the employee is not comfortable with doing so, the employee may
file a formal complaint. Informal resolution will not be used in complaints of Sexual
Assault and Interpersonal Violence.
An employee may also consult with the Office of EEO to determine if he/she wishes to file a
formal complaint. While an investigation is not normally initiated without a written
complaint submitted by the employee, the Office of EEO or the university may take action
as deemed appropriate by the office. Such action may include notifying key personnel
with a need to know about the allegations, conferring with supervisors or other
administrators concerning inappropriate behavior occurring within their area of
responsibility, informing the Responding Party of the university’s non-discrimination
policies, and educating departments and supervisors as needed on this and other policies.
b. An employee having a complaint should submit a completed Complaint of Discrimination
form, which is available on the university’s Human Resources website at the following
link: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/formsPolProc/forms.php. Except as otherwise provided
by university policy or law, this complaint should be submitted to the Office of EEO
within 30 days from the date of the complained of action.
A written complaint shall contain:
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) A clear and concise statement of the complaint;
The date the incident took place;
The name and contact information of the Reporting Party, the Responding Party,
and any witnesses;
The specific resolution sought by the employee; and
Additional relevant information to be considered in support of the complaint.
OP 40.02
May 26, 2016
Page 6
Any changes to the complaint must be in writing.
c. Only one subject matter shall be covered in any one complaint.
d. Once a signed complaint form is received by the Office of EEO, an investigation may
be conducted by that office and the appropriate administrators.
e. The investigation may consist of review of the complaint and any supporting
documentation, examination of other relevant documentation, and interviews with relevant
individuals. Each party will be given the opportunity to present his/her side and identify
witnesses and other relevant evidence. The extent of the investigation and its procedures
will be determined by and at the discretion of the Office of EEO. Any findings in the
investigation will be based upon a preponderance of the evidence (i.e., whether the
findings are more likely than not).
f. Investigations will be completed as expeditiously as possible.
g. After the investigation is complete, the Office of EEO will provide a written determination
to the Reporting Party, the Responding Party, and to the appropriate department
administrator.
h. The findings of the Office of EEO are final.
i. In the event of a finding of a violation of this policy or other violation of the law is made,
appropriate disciplinary action will be taken as determined by the appropriate
administrator. Disciplinary action may range from counseling up to and including
termination. Termination procedures for tenured faculty will be conducted pursuant to OP
32.02.
j. Any employee subjected to disciplinary action may appeal any such action, but not the
findings of the Office of EEO, within the time periods and through the procedures
established or faculty in OP 32.05 and for staff in OP 70.10. A copy of the appeal should
be forwarded to the Office of EEO.
k. Any disciplinary action taken in connection with a complaint filed pursuant to this
policy shall be reported in writing to the Office of EEO at the time the disciplinary
action is implemented. Confirmation of the disciplinary action can be provided via a
copy of a counseling or other written disciplinary action, resignation, termination
document, etc.
l. At the conclusion of the investigation, the Reporting Party shall be advised that if the
discrimination or unlawful activity persists the employee should contact the Office of
EEO. Likewise, in the event the employee believes unlawful retaliation for filing a
complaint has taken place the employee should contact the Office of EEO and/or file a
complaint for retaliation.
m. In the event of a finding of a violation of this policy, the Office of EEO will follow up
with the Reporting Party within 60 days to ensure that the complained of behavior has
ceased.
OP 40.02
May 26, 2016
Page 7
5. Complaints by Students or Involving Students
a. If a student has a complaint of discrimination or harassment by another student, see Part
I, Section C: Conduct Procedures for Students in the TTU Student Handbook.
www.ttu.edu/studenthandbook.
b. If a student has a complaint regarding discrimination or harassment involving a student
organization, see Part I, Section D: Conduct Procedures for Student Organizations in the
TTU Student Handbook. www.ttu.edu/studenthandbook.
c. If a student has a non-employment based complaint of discrimination or harassment by
an employee, the student should follow the processes outlined in Part II, Section C:
Anti- Discrimination Policy in the TTU Student Handbook.
www.ttu.edu/studenthandbook.
d. Student employees having a complaint of discrimination or harassment in employment
should follow the procedure set forth in the previous section of this policy.
e. If an employee has a complaint of discrimination or harassment against a student, the
employee should contact the Office of Student Conduct and/or file an incident report
form, found at www.depts.ttu.edu/studentconduct.
f. This policy does not apply to grade appeals, regardless of the basis of the appeal. All
grade appeals will be handled pursuant to the university’s grade appeal policy. See OP
34.03, Student Grade Appeal.
6. Complaints Involving Non-University Individuals
a. If a non-university individual has a complaint of discrimination or harassment by a student
or university employee acting in the scope of his or her employment, the individual
involved may file a report with either the Office of the Dean of Students or the Office of
EEO, and the university may investigate and take steps to address the situation.
b. If a student or university employee has a complaint of discrimination or harassment by a
non- university party that affects the student’s educational environment or the employee’s
work environment, the individual may make a report to the Office of the Dean of Students
or the Office of EEO. The university may conduct an inquiry and take action, if possible,
to prevent further misconduct. However, the university’s response may differ for
complaints regarding third parties based on the level of control the university has over the
third party. Even though the university’s ability to take direct action against a third party
may be limited, the university may take steps to provide appropriate remedies for the
employee and, where appropriate, the broader University Community.
7. Retaliation
Retaliation against a person who reports a potential violation under this policy, assists
someone with a report of a violation, or participates in any manner in an investigation or in
the resolution of a complaint made under this policy is strictly prohibited and will not be
tolerated. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to threats, intimidation, reprisals, and/or
adverse actions related to an individual’s employment or education. The university will take
appropriate steps to assure that a person who in good faith reports, complains about, or
OP 40.02
May 26, 2016
Page 8
participates in an investigation pursuant to this policy will not be subjected to retaliation.
Individuals who believe they are experiencing retaliation are strongly encouraged to lodge a
complaint with the university using the same procedure outlined in this policy.
Individuals who are found to have retaliated under this policy will be subject to disciplinary
action, up to and including termination of employment, expulsion from the university, or
being barred from university premises and events.
8.
Interim Measures
The Reporting Parties may request and the university may implement interim measures, as
may be necessary to assure the safety and well-being of the participants in the complaint
process, to maintain an environment free from harassment, discrimination, or retaliation,
and to protect the safety and well-being of the University Community. Appropriate
university officials will decide if and what interim measures are necessary. Such interim
measures may include, but are not limited to:
• Separating the Reporting Party’s and Responding Party’s academic or working
situations;
• Forbidding contact between parties involved in a complaint;
• Suspending the right of the Responding Party to be present on campus or otherwise
altering the university status of the Responding Party.
Other interim measures may be implemented depending upon the Responding Party’s
relationship with the University. These interim measures may be kept in place through the
conclusion of any review, investigation, or appeal process. Interim measures can be
implemented regardless of whether or not the Reporting Party pursues formal university or
criminal action.
9. Reporting Requirements
All employees who witness or receive a report of unlawful discrimination or other violations
of the law have the obligation to report such actions to their immediate supervisor, the Office
of EEO, the Texas Tech Police Department, or other appropriate law enforcement authority.
A supervisor who receives a report of discrimination shall notify the Office of EEO of such
report.
For reporting requirements relating to claims of Sexual Misconduct, see OP 40.03, Sexual
Harassment, Sexual Assault, Sexual Misconduct, and Title IX Policy and Complaint
Procedure.
10. Confidentiality
The confidentiality of both the Reporting Party and the Responding Party will be honored by
the university to the extent possible without compromising the university's commitment and
obligation to investigate allegations of discrimination or violations of law, to protect the
University Community, and to the extent allowed by law. The willful and unnecessary
disclosure of confidential information by anyone, including the Reporting Party or
Responding Party, may affect the integrity of the investigation.
OP 40.02
May 26, 2016
11. Page 9
Interference with an Investigation
Any person who knowingly and intentionally interferes with an investigation conducted
under this policy is subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal or separation
from the university. Interference with an investigation may include, but is not limited to:
• Attempting to coerce, compel, influence, or prevent an individual from providing
testimony or relevant information;
• Divulging confidential information;
• Removing, destroying, or altering documentation relevant to the investigation; or
• Providing false or misleading information to the investigator, or encouraging others to do so.
12. Training
All employees must attend EEO non-discrimination and sex/gender discrimination training
including sexual assault, sexual harassment, and campus crime mandated reporter training
within the first 30 days of employment and receive supplemental EEO non-discrimination
training every two years.
Employees are informed of the EEO policy through new employee orientation, EEO training
sessions, this non-discrimination policy and other operating policies, and the placement of the
EEO federal and state posters at various locations throughout the campus. Information about
the Texas Tech EEO policy can also be obtained from Human Resources, at the Texas Tech
University System EEO Office, at http://www.texastech.edu/offices/equal-employment/.
Students are informed of policies regarding non-discrimination at new student orientation and
via the Student Handbook and other outreach, awareness, and educational programs offered by
the university.
13. Authoritative References
14.
• • • • • • • • • • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
Equal Pay Act
Texas Labor Code Chapter 21
Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967
Americans with Disabilities Act
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Civil Rights Act of 1991
Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974
Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008
Right to Change Policy
The university reserves the right to interpret, change, modify, amend, or rescind this policy,
in whole or in part, at any time without notice to or consent of its employees.
OP 40.02